Machine for forming or shaping the uppers of boots and shoes



Nov. 4 1924. 1,513,961

M. BROCK MACHINE FOR FORMING OR SHAPING THE UPPERS OF BOOTS AND SHOES Original Filed July 30. 1917 3 Sheets-Shoat l 'N'uv. 4 1924. 1,513,961

M. BROCK MACHINE FOR FORMING OR SHAPING THE UPPEHS OF BOOTS AND SHOES Original Filed July 30. 1917 3 Sheets-Shut M. BROCK CHINE FOR FQRMING 0R SHAPING THE UPPERS 0F BOOTS AND SHOES Original Filed July 30. 1917 3 Sheets-sheaf.

Patented Nov. 4, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MATTHIAS BROOK, 015 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGlfl'ME-NTS, TO UNITED SHO'E MACHTNEEY CORPORATI'ON, 0E PALTERSOIT, NEW JERSEY, A

CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

MACHINE FOR FORMING 0R SHAPING THE UPPERS 0F BOOTS AND SHOES.

Application filed. July 30, 1817, Serial No. 183,502. Renewed Eeptember 6, 1921. Seriall No. 498 926.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MA'rTi-rms Bacon, a citizen of the United States, re iding at Boston, in the county of Snuffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Machines for Forming or Shaping the Uppers of Boots and Shoes, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings. indicating like parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to machines for forming or shaping the uppers of boots and shoes and particularly to machines for shapin g or molding the heel end of a stitch-down shoe upper and forming thereon an outturned sole attaching flange. One type of machine for this purpose is shown and described in United States Letters; Patent No. 1,160,135, granted on my application November 16, 1915.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved machine of this general type which will be convenient, expeditious and effective in operation and simple in construction.

An important feature of this invention consists in novel organization of means for shaping the sides and an end portion of a shoe upper, with means for forming there on an outturned flange, and operating means lherefor by which the flange forming means is normally in an out-of-the-way position to allow the operator free access to the shaping means so that the upper may be easily inserted therein.

As herein shown, the mechanism is adapted for operating upon the rear portion of a shoe .upper properly to shape the same, whether or not the upper includes a molded or unmolded counter, and to form thereon an outturned flange. The illustrated flange forming means is arranged to be moved from its normal position to a position over the shaping means out of contact with the shoe upper, but Within the confines of the margin of the upper left upstanding above the shaping means, and is then lowered into substantial contact with the shaping means and moved toward the rear of the shoe to form the upstanding margin into an out- Wardly directed flange. I

A further feature of the invention consists of a flange turner of novel construction comprising, as shown, a narrow portion of less width than the heel seat, which portion first engages the upstanding upper and forms it outwardly at the rear end of the shoe, and a relatively wide portion wider than the heel seat which portion forms outwardly the side portions of the upstanding upper. The wide portion is preferably formed with a recess having a continuous wall extending about the heel seat portion, and the operating means is: constructed and arranged to further depress the flange turner when the recess is located over the heel seat to bend the outturned flange beyond the position parallel with the heel seat which the flange is made to assume by the previ ous movement of the flange turner. Preferably the rear end shaping means is pro vided with a beveled upper face which cooperates with the continuous wall of the recess in the flange turner, powerfully to compress the outturned flange to cause it to set in its posit-ion at a downward directed acute angle to the plane of the heel seat. The wall of the recess in the flange turner is preferably inclined to fltthe beveled face of the shaping means.

A further feature of the invention consists in a novel shaping means or mold for the rear portion. of the upper comprising a readily changeable, inner or male member and outer or female members which coinprise a portion which is brought against the rear portion of the upper to hold it against the inner member, and side portions which are progressively closed from the rear forwardly to force the upper against the side of the inner member.

As shown herein, the side portions are provided with segmental guides pivoted thereto and lying in grooves formed in the end portion to guide the side portion for closing movement about the joint between the end portion. and the side portions.

A further feature of the invention con sists in novel means-for gaging the height of the upstanding margin which is constructed and arranged to be moved manually into operative position to gage the upper and to be moved automatically out of gaging position when the flange forming means is moved over the shaping means.

.These and other features" of the invensuccessive stages of tion will appear more fully from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings and will be defined in the appended claims. Fig.1 is a side elevation of the machine; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the machine, parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a view of the flange turning and presslng member;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the machine partly in section; and Figs. 5, 6,7 a-nd'S are side views partly in section of parts of the machine showing their operation upon a shoe.

' Referring to Fig. 1, the frame of the machine is represented at 2 in which is mounted a driving shaft 4 carrying drive wheel 16. Between the shaft 1 and the driving wheel 6su1table clutch mechanism is pro vided which is normally inoperative todrive being, of course, released) until the depresthe shaft. A treadle 8 is connected by a rod to clutch controlling mechanism and is so arranged that when the treadle depressed the clutch will be thrown in and the machine will be operated.

On the shaft 4;, Fig. 2, is a pinion 12 mesh ing with a large gear wheel 14 on a cam shaft 16 on which are mounted the various cams from which the operative movements of the machine are derived. Themachine as shown in Figs. 2 and 4tisv duplex, two substantially similar molding mechanisms one for shaping the upper of a right shoe and theother for shaping the upper of a left shoe being arranged to be driven from the same cam shaft 16, the timing of the two mechanisms being such that when the molds of one are closed the molds of the other are open. Since the two mechanisms are otherwise alike, it will be necessary to describe only one of them in detail.

Referring again to the clutch mechanism, the rod 10 is connected to a dog 11 pivoted at 13 to the frame, which engages a toothed wheel 15 and disconnects the wheel 6 from the shaft 4: 111 a well-known manner, the

springs 17 being then put under tension.

Depression of the treadle 8 lifts the dog 11 out of engagement with the toothed wheel 15, and the springs 17 throw in the clutch,

causing the shaft 16 to revolve and with it a cam block 18. The pivot shaft 13 of the dog 11 has an arm 19 carrying a roll which engages the edge of the cam block 18 which is provided with two depressions 21, 23.

Aft er the machine starts the depression 21 passes beyond the roll on the arm 19 and the dogll is held out of engagement with the toothed wheel 15 (pressure on the treadle sion 23 reaches the I roll, whereupon the dog 11 will engage the wheel 15 and cause the machme to stop.

An inner or male mold 20 is supported on a member 22 secured to the frame 2' at 24. The shape of the member 22 is such that an upper of any height may be placed in inverted position with its heel portion about the male mold 20 and free space is provided on all sides of the male mold for manipulaion of the upper. The male mold shown in plan in Fig. 1. Preferably one of the molding mechanisms is equipped. with a mold for a right shoe upper and the other with a mold for a left shoe upper.

A female mold is arranged to move forwardly and close about the male mold. The female mold comprises a central member 30, and side members 32, 34 arranged to more about their lines of junction with the central member 30. Each of the side members central member is connected by a pin 38..

The centers of curvature of the" to a slide 40 which is mounted for limited" movement by a pin and" slot 11 4-3, 5 in a carrier 42 and 1s backed up by stiff spring 44c, Fig. 4. The carrier is mounted for forward and rearward movement in the.

frame and is connected by a link 16 to a lever 48 (Fig. 1) fulcrumed to the frame 2 on a shaft 50 and actuated by a lever 52 to which it is connected by a link 54-. The lever 52 is fulcrumed to the frame 2 at 56 and carries between its ends a roll 58 which engages a cam path 59 in the outer side of the cam block 18 (Fig. 1). When the carrier 42 is given a forward reciprocation the mold members 30, 32, 34c advance toward the male mold and the side members 32, 3&1 are closed against the male mold by the action of rolls 61. F 41, the axes of which are fixed 111 1 I) a the machine frame, upon inclined levers 62 \Vhen. the carrier and levers 62 are advanced the fulcrumed at 63 to the carrier 4L2.

inclined outer faces of the levers engage the rolls 61 causing the lnner faces ofthe. rear end of the levers to press on spring plungers 6 mounted in each of the mold members 32, 34, and to close them vieldingly toward the mold 20. It will be noted that the molds are not fully closed until the outer mold members 32, 3 1 have fully embraced the mold 20 and the rear portion 3 0 of the outer mold has engaged the upper on the mold 20 and also that the closing of theside portions 32, 34; occurs from the rear, where they join the part 30; forwardly toward the ends of the counter. This action causes the upper.

to be brought progressively into contact with the inner mold ,from -the' rear portion forwardly until all parts are pressed forcibly against the inner mold 20. The outer molds have their upper'faces downwardly and out wardly inclined away from the inner mold for a purpose to be described. Above the molds is mounted for vertical movement a cross head 70. Vertical rods "('2 are mounted for longitudinal movement in the frames and pass through the cross head 70. The rods are reduced at 73 to provide bearing shoulders for the cross head which cause it to be raised positively by upward movement of the rods, and springs 7% are arranged on the rods between the upper face of the cross head and stop nuts 75 on the upper ends of the rods to render the downward pressure of the cross head yielding and adjustable. The lower ends of the rods carry pins 76 which engage slots in the forward ends of arms T8 form-ed integral. with a sleeve 80 mounted to rock on a shaft 82 mounted. in the frame The. sleeve 80 has a rearward arm 84: carrying a roll which lies in a cam path 86 formed in a cam block 88 on the shaft 16. Through the mechanism described, the head 70 is moved vertically toward and from the molds 20, 30. 32, 34.

A slide 90 is mounted in grooves 92 in the head 70 for movement rearwardly out of po sition over the molds and forwardly into position over the molds. To'actuate the slide 90 a link 96 (Fig. 1) is connected to its rear end and to an angle lever 98 pivoted to the machin frame at 50. Another link 102 is connected between the lever 98 and a lever 104ipivoted to the frame at 106 and having between its ends a cam roll 108 engaging a cam path 110 formed in the right hand face of a cam block 60.

fin the lower face of the slide 90 is secured a flange turning and pressing member 112 which has the form best shown in which is a perspective view showing its lower face in which is recess 113 't'mincd to co-operate with the beveled. that is the dmvuwurdly and outwz-irdly inclined, upper t The member 3712 is held to the slide 90 by a hezde a T-slot 114i fori'ned in the upper side of the pressing member. and by a screw stud 118 having a reduced end which enters a hole in the member. By turning the screw stud 118 up out of the hole in the member 112 the member may be removed from the .headed stud 11 i and another member of different size or shape introduced in place of it. it gage 120 is provided to determine the amount of upper which will project above the molds. The gage is shown in operative position in and consists of an L-shaped member pivoted at 122 to the cross head 70 and having a transverse portion 123 adapted to engage the edge of the upper forwardly of the part which contacts with the gage near the angle of the part 120. The gage 120 is held in inoperative position by a spring plunger 124: which arcs f the mold members 30. 32-. 34-. I

d stud li t the head of which enengages a depression in the end of the gage and holds it frictionally in the position shoun i i 3 t i lion the slide 90 moves images the gage 120 and. turns forward it e it from the position shown in Fig. 5 to the tion shown in ig. 6 where it is yieldheld by the 9' plunger 12% until required for use.

mechanism has now been sufliciently described so that the operation of the machine may be readily understood. When the machine is at rest the parts are positioned as indicated in Fig. except that the gage 120 will. be in inoperative position as shown Fig. 0. The rear portion of a shoe upper is placed about the inner mold 20, to which the operator has free access on all sides the 120 is swung down into operative position and the upper adjusted on the inner mold so as just to contact with the the width of the portion of the upper which is to bemolded into an outturned flange being thereby determined. After the upper has been adjusted properly upon. the inner mold the treadle 8 is depressed and the power operation of the machinecommences. The slide i2 is moved toward the shoe and the mold member 30 is brought yieldingly against the rear part of the upper the side portions 32 and 84 at the same time embracing and closing upon the upper and conforming it forcibly to the contour of the inner mold. The slide is now advanced to the position shown in hi 5);. 6 where the rear end 115 of the member 112 is above the heel portion of the upper. The cross head 90 next descends and carries the member 112 to a position inside the upstanding margin of the upper and in contact with the inner mold 20, as shown in Fig. 7. The slide 90 is then moved rearwardly and the narrow rear portion 115 of the e turning member 112 engages the rear no in of the upper and turns it outwardly over the rear of the outer mold member 30. (lontii'iued movement of the slide can ee the wide portion of the member 112 to engage the side portions of the upstanding upper and turn them outwardly over the side mem bers 32, 34 of the outer mold. At the point in the rearward movement of the slide 90 where the recess. 113 of the member 112 is over the heel portion of the upper a dwell in the cam path 110 causes the slide to stop and the cross lead. is caused by the cam path. 86 in the cam block 88 to movefurther downwardly and cause the walls of the recess 113 to force the outturned flange of the upper against the outwardly and downwardly inclining upper faces of the outer mold members. The molds now having" completely closed to hold the upper in mold ed position, the machine stops to give the upper time to set. Meantime the molds on the other side of the machine have opened and another upper may be introduced into thenrwliile the upperv in the first molds is setting. When the machine is restarted the second set of molds will close and the first set open to release the molded upper.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: 1. Ina machine of the class described, means for molding the heel end of a shoe upper arranged to leave a marginal portion thereof projecting outside said means, means for forming a flange from said projecting margin, said means when inoperative being out of position over said molding means, means for moving the flange forming means over said molding means, means for relatively moving the molding means and the flange forming means to locate the flange forming means inside the projecting margin of the upper, and means for then moving the flange forming means rearwardlv to form the projecting margin of the upper into an outwardly directed flange.

2. Ina machine of the class described, means for molding the heel end of a shoe upper arranged to leave a marginal portion of the upper pro ecting above said molding means, means for forming a sole attaching flange from said marginal portion, means for moving the flange forming means first downwardly inside the upstanding margin, and means for then moving the flange forming means longitudinally toward the rear portion of the upper, the flange forming means being shaped first to form outwardly the margin at the rear of the shoe upper and then to form outwardly the margin of the shoe upper at the sides.

- 3. In a machine of the class described, means for molding the heel end of a shoe upper comprising a male mold having the shape of the rear portion of a shoe, and a three-part female mold, means for moving the central part of the female mold against the rear part of an upper on the male mold, means for closing the other parts of the female mold against the sides of the upper, and means for bending the margin of upper extending above the mold over against the top face of the female mold.

4. In a machine of the class described, inner and outer molds for molding the heel end of a shoe upper arranged to leave a marginal portion of said upper projecting beyond said molding means, and a flange former comprising an integral member having a rearwardly extending laterally narrow portion to turn outwardly the rear portion of the upstanding margin over the outer mold and a laterally wide portion having formed therein a recess adapted to receive the upper portion of the outer mold and to form the outturned margin of the upper againstthe top face of the outer mold.

tion of a shoe upper, an outer mold adapted to close upon the inner mold and having a downwardly and outwardly beveled top face, a flange turning and forming member constructed first to turn outwardly the rear portion of the margin and then to turn outwardly the side portions of the margin and having a recess with continuous edgewalls complemental to the beveled top face of the outer mold, and means to force the flange forming member downwardly after its turning action to form the flange against the top face of the outer mold.

7. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold, an outer mold arranged to close about the inner mold and comprising a single central portion and side portions, means for efl'ecting yielding pressure of the central portion against the .rear end of the inner mold, and means for progressively closing the side portions from the rear forwardly against the inner mold with yielding pressure.

8. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold, an outer mold arranged to close about the inner mold and comprising a central portion and side portions, and segmental members pivoted to the side portions and occupying slots in the central portion, said members guiding said portions for move ment about the joint between the central portion and the side portions.

9. In amachine of the class described, an inner mold, an outer mold arranged to close about the inner mold and comprising a central portion and side portions, and segmental members between the side portions and the central portion to guide said portions for relative movement about the joints between them.

10. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold, an outer mold arranged to close about the inner mold and comprising a central portion and side portions, and segmental members between the side portions and the central portions to guide said portions for relative movement about the junction line of their inner faces.

11. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold having the shape of the rear. portion of a shoe upper, an outer mold adapted to close upon the inner mold, a carrier for the outer molds, means for move ing the carrier, and mold closing means comprising rearwardly directed arms each pivoted at one end to the carrier and engaging the molds at their opposite ends, and means for effecting movement of the arms toward each other to close the molds when the carrier is moved.

12. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold having the shape of the rear portion of a shoe upper, an outer mold adapted to close upon the inner mold, a carrier for the outer molds, means for moving the carrier and'mold closing means comprising rearwardly directed arms each pivoted at one end to the carrier and engaging the molds at their opposite ends, and rolls on stationary axes for efl'ecting movement of the arms toward each other to close the molds when the carrier is moved toward the inner mold.

13. In a machine of the class described, an inner mold having the shape of the rear portion of a shoe upper, an outer mold adapted to close upon the inner mold, a carrier for the outer molds, means for moving the carrier, and mold closing means comprising rearwardly directed arms each pivoted at one end to the carrier and engaging the molds at their opposite ends, spring pressed plungers between the arms and the molds, and means for efl'ecting movement of the arms toward each other when the carrier is moved toward the inner mold.

14-. In a machine of the class described, the combination of upper shaping means, flange forming mechanism, and a gage carried by said mechanism and having an operative and an inoperative position, the gage serving when in operative position to determine the amount of projection of the upper beyond the shaping means and arranged to be moved into inoperative position by movement of the flange forming mechanism.

15. In a machine of the class described, the combination of upper shaping means, flange forming means, a cross head on which the flange forming means slides into and out of position over the shaping means, a gag mounted on the cross head and arranged ii'or manual movement into position over the shaping means to gage the proection of the upper above said means, and means for automatically moving the gage out of position during the operation of the flange forming means.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination of upper shaping means, flange forming means, a gage for the upper constructed and arranged to engage the edge of an upper positioned in the shaping means at the rear end of the upper and also to engage the upper forwardly of the rear end to determine the width of the upper to be formed into a flange by the flange forming means entirely around the flanged portion, and means for moving the gage out gaging position as an incident to the operation of the machine.

17. In a machine of the class described, a cross head having a headed stud, a flange former having a T-slot to engage the stud, and means for preventing movement of the flange-former in the plane of the head of the said stud.

18. In a mach ne of the class described. an inner mold, an outer mold constructed and arranged to close upon the inner mold, a carrier for the outer mold, means for moving the carrier, yielding plungers mounted in the outer mold, levers pivoted to the carrier at one end and resting against the plunger at the other end, said levers being normally inclined with reference to the direction of movement of the carrier, and rolls on stationary axes arranged to engage the levers when the carrier is moved and to cause the outer mold to be closed upon the inner mold.

19. A machine for molding the rear portion of upper materials having, in combination, inside and outside formers and operating mechanism therefor, flange turning means, a slide carrying the flange turning means movable bodily over the formers, a vertically movable head in which said slide is mounted, and operating mechanism to advance the slide to carry the flange turning means over the formers, to depress the head to bring the flange turning means into operative relation to the upper materials, to move the slide rearwardly to cause the flange turning means to operate on the upper, and further to depress the head to apply molding pressure to the flange.

20. In a machine for shaping the rear end of a shoe upper and flanging the upper outwardly, the combination of a rigid, stationary support, an inner mold on the support, an outer mold to shape the upper and leave the margin of the upper projecting be yond the molds, a flange turner, and means for giving the flange turner a four-motion movement, first over the inner mold out of contact with the upper, then down into contact with the inner mold, then rearwardlv to form the flange and finally to initial position.

2-1. A machine for shaping the upper materials of the end portion of a shoe having, in combination, means for shaping the upper and leaving the margin of the upper extending beyond said means, a flange former having an initial position remote from the upper out of contact therewith and outside or" the confines of the margin, means for relatively moving the former and shaping means to bring the former inside of the extending upper materials, and means for then relatively moving the shaping means and former to cause the former to act on the margin of the upper.

in a machine of the class described, the combination oi? means for shaping the side and end portions of an inverted shoe upper, means for iormin on the upper an outturned flange, operating means for the flange formin means constructed and arranged. to position the flange forming men I? normally in an out of the way position outside of the confines-or the upper to allow the operator free access the s" means for insert he upper therein, and for operating the flange fori'ning means to flange the upper.

23. )1, machine for molding the rearportion of upper materials having, in combination, inside and outside terms operating to mold the rear portion oi the upper and leave a margin extending beyond the molds to be formed into a flange, flange turning means, a slide carrying the flange turning means movable bodily over the formers, a vertically movable head in which said slide is mounted, and operating); mechanism to advance the slide to carry the flange turning means over the formers, to depress the head to bring the flange turning means into operative relation to the upper materials to move the slide rearwardly to cause the flange turning means to operate on the upper and to further depress the head to apply molding pressure to the flange, said me hanism being constructed and arranged to stop with the flange turning means in depressed position with the flanges under molding pressure and upon restarting oi the machine to return to initial position.

24. In a machine for shaping the rear end of a shoe upper and flanging the upper out wardly, the combination oi a stationary support, an inner mold on the support arranged to aflord free access to the mold atthe top and sides, an outer mold normally located at the rear of the inner mold and arranged to advance and close on the inner mold to shape the upper and leave the margin of the, upper projecting beyond the molds, a flange turner, means for giving the flange turner a movement over the inner mold out of contact with the upper, then down into contact with the inner mold, then rearwardly to form the flange, and means to stop the machine with the flange turner in flange pressing position.

25. A machine terials of the end portion of a shoe having, in combination, means for shaping the upper and leaving the margin of the upper extending beyond said means, a flange tormer having an initial position horizontally removed beyond the confines of said margin. means for relatively moving the former and for shaping the upper mashaping means to bring the former inside 26. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of meansior shaping the side and end portions of a shoe upper, means for forming on the upper an 'outturned flange, operating means for the flange forming means constructed and arranged to position the flange forming means normally in an out of the way position at the rear of the shaping means to allow the operator free access to the shaping means for inserting the upper therein, and to move the flange form mg means forwardly, downwardlyand rea'r- \vardly to flang the upper.

27. In a machine ror molding the rear portion of shoe upper materials, the combi-. natlon o1 inside and outside formers, op-

erating means therefor to shape the side;

and end portions of the upperpand present a margin in upstandingpositlon aboutthe inside former, flange forming means movable bodily to flange the margin outwardly beyond'the inside former, means for op erating the flange forming means to move it over, down inside the upstanding margin and rearwardly to flange the upper, and sep arate means for applying, through the flange forming means, a molding down pressure to the flange. i

28. in a machine of the class described, the combination oi upper shaping means,

flange forming mechanism, and a gage havmg an operative posltlon spaced above the y shaping means and an inoperative position,

the gage serving when in operative pos1- tion to determine by contact with the edge of the upper the amount of projection of the upper beyond the shaping means and arranged to be moved lengthwise oi the shaping means into inoperative position upon movement of the flange forming mechanism. r

29. In a machine of the class described, the combination of upper shaping means, flange forming mechanism, a cross head on which the flange forming mechanism slides into and out oi position over the shaping means, and a gage arranged for horizonta movement into gaging position above the shaping means to determine by contact with the edge faceoi' the upper the amount of projection oi the upper above said means, said gage being constructed and arranged to be reversely moved automatically out of gaging position during forward movement MATTHIAS BROCK. 

